Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

April 1 is shaping up to be a consequential day for Canada’s energy and economic landscape. Carbon pricing is set to rise for large industrial emitters in several provinces, raising big questions about competitiveness, investment, and emissions targets. At the same time, a key deadline hits for major resource and infrastructure projects (including those tied to Alberta-Ottawa agreements) putting the spotlight on regulatory timelines, political will, and whether Canada can actually get big projects built.

4:30 | Economist Dr. Andrew Leach digs into it all, in plain language, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

47:30 | A new report from the Business Council of Alberta argues federal approvals are choking off investment, delaying projects, and sending capital elsewhere. BCA president Adam Legge and Cenovus board chair Alex Pourbaix argue their case. 

READ THE REPORT: https://businesscouncilab.com/reports-category/from-barriers-to-breakthroughs-main/

1:15:25 | Jespo and Johnny debrief and see what Real Talkers have to say in the Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Avi Lewis will lead Canada's NDP from here. On the heels of the filmmaker's big leadership win, we talk to Supriya Dwivedi (4:15) about immediate pushback from Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi and Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck, Manitoba premier Wab Kinew's glowing endorsement, and political implications across the country. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUOR, NOW AVAILABLE AT https://hansendistillery.com/.

48:45 | Does Alberta premier Danielle Smith need to condemn separatist support within her caucus? Did Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau have any other option but to retire (58:00)? How big of a headache has Liberal MP Michael Ma created for PM Carney with his China comments (1:14:00)? Supriya and Jespo get to it all.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:38:30 | Did you catch our March 13 interview on "curling parents" with child psychologist Dr. Caroline Buzanko? It resonated with Real Talker Lisa, who authors this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby.

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/

WATCH THE DR. BUZANKO INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/031326Caroline

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

KP gives PM Mark Carney a failing grade through year one; Meredith, BabyMac, Johanne, and Trucker Mike sound off on MAiD changes in Alberta, Ophelia calls out Jespo's comments on zoos, and Lauren says Don Cherry deserves the Hockey Hall of Fame...but not the Order of Canada. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]

WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!

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RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

No recurring guest gets Real Talkers more fired up than Stephen Carter. The veteran political strategist sinks his teeth into Pierre Poilievre on Joe Rogan's podast, rumours of a snap election in Manitoba, Premier Danielle Smith's "golden cat" controversy, Alberta separatists efforts, PM Mark Carney's year one report card, and RCMP raiding former Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek's home in our feature interview (5:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

37:00 | Canada is the only G7 nation without proton therapy for cancer patients. The amazing people behind the Ben Stelter Foundation are working to bring the $150M investment to Alberta. Mike Stelter, Ashif Mawji, and Dr. Ankur Sharma explain how the Ben Stelter Centre for Proton Therapy and Neuroscience will transform cancer care in Canada.

REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNAMENT on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/

1:08:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Live Chat powered by Park Power.

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

1:25:45 | KP gives PM Mark Carney a failing grade through year one; Meredith, BabyMac, Johanne, and Trucker Mike sound off on MAiD changes in Alberta, Ophelia calls out Jespo's comments on zoos, and Lauren says Don Cherry deserves the Hockey Hall of Fame...but not the Order of Canada. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] 

WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! 

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

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REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

PM Mark Carney's Liberals are enjoying a healthy lead in the polls. Can Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives close the 14-point gap? And what about the NDP, who will elect a new leader over the next few days? Pollster David Valentin digs into the numbers - and brings valuable insights - in our feature interview (4:20) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

LIAISON STRATEGIES: https://www.liaison.ca/

OUR AVI LEWIS INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/012126Avi

OUR HEATHER McPHERSON INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/021026McPherson

OUR ROB ASHTON INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/022526Ashton

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

26:15 | How would you grade Mark Carney's first year as PM? Jespo reads some of the 800+ comments Real Talkers left on our Facebook post after the Lynda Steele episode on March 24. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

36:45 | How're we doing on eliminating those pesky inter-provincial trade barriers? Are we actually making progress on unlocking "Canada's hidden economy"? We get real world insights from business leaders Chuck Davidson (Manitoba Chambers of Commerce), Shauna Feth (Alberta Chambers of Commerce), Rebecca Goldsack (Diesel Tech Industries), and Antu Chicahuala (Accusteel). 

ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/

1:12:30 | Did you catch our Tristin Hopper interview about the plight of Scottish midwife Heather Gilchrist, who's being threatened with deportation? Immigration lawyer Catherine McAteer makes an important point in follow-up. (Also, who knew Real Talkers were such avid urban gardeners? A bunch of you share in our Live Chat powered by Park Power what you'll be growing in your backyard this summer.)

WATCH OUR TRISTIN HOPPER INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/032526Tristin

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 

REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Heather Gilchrist spent $60k of her own money moving to Canada and getting certified to work. The 58-year-old came to British Columbia, recently widowed, looking to continue her career as an experienced midwife. But a glitch in her paperwork is triggering deportation on the grounds the British citizen can't speak English. We dig into the debacle with National Post correspondent Tristin Hopper (6:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUOR, NOW AVAILABLE AT https://hansendistillery.com/.

52:15 | Prompted by Tristin's interaction with Lucy the Elephant, Real Talkers have their say on zoos, circuses, and changing attitudes around conservation. Real Talk's Live Chat is powered by Park Power.

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

1:06:00 | Calling all coffee, Scotch, and cigar lovers: you owe it to yourself to visit Ursidae Lair in Jasper! We shine a light on the stunning Scotch tasting lounge in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.

CHECK IT OUT: https://ursidaelair.com/

PLAN YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/

1:09:40 | There's not a lot to say at this point about the RCMP investigation into alleged corruption at Calgary City Hall, but Jespo touches on it. 

1:15:00 | Real Talker Aly shares her very moving story of how the MAiD debate personally impacted her family. 

TELL US YOUR STORY: [email protected] 

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk

REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

The Edmonton Oilers are the third most profitable sports franchise on the planet. Team owner Daryl Katz is now worth an estimated $7.4 billion. And, as Connor McDavid and his teammates prepare for playoffs, season tickets holders have been hit with a 15-20% price increase on renewals. We get into it with legendary broadcaster Lynda Steele (6:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

We get into gas prices and the war in Iran (30:20), Air Canada pilots killed at LaGuardia (37:00), PM Mark Carney's Year One Report Card (47:40), a new pipeline through B.C. (54:40), and real estate uncertainty around DRIPA (57:45).

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

KILLEEN & STEELE: https://killeenandsteele.ca/

1:16:00 | Have you heard Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan's recent comments on Israel? Real Talkers chime in via our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We have an update on the "Golden Cat" story (1:30:10). 

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

JOIN JESPO at the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNAMENT on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/

BOOK A FREE CALIFORNIA CLOSETS CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

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RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Two pilots are dead after an Air Canada jet collides with a fire truck on a runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport. Pundits continue to chime in on Pierre Poilievre's interview with podcaster Joe Rogan. Alberta premier Danielle Smith wants security clearance to be privy to foreign interference briefings in Alberta. We get into it all with Supriya Dwivedi (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUOR, NOW AVAILABLE AT https://hansendistillery.com/.

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

1:15:00 | Real Talkers Shyla and Chantal share their thoughts on new MAiD legislation in Alberta.

HAVE YOUR SAY: [email protected]

1:28:00 | Real Talker "BoomShankerX" shares how the show has impacted him in this week's Positive Reflection presented by our friends at Solar by Kuby.

SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected]

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk

REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Laura, Lisa, KimB, and Jake clap back at W. Brett Wilson. Brian says Take Back Alberta is pulling the strings on MAiD. And Brent has fond memories of Don Cherry, but he's not so sure about awarding him with the Order of Canada. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]

WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen

REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Pierre Poilievre appears on Joe Rogan (5:25). Albertans with disabilities demand dignity (16:10). Women continue to be underrepresented in health research and services (44:20). We get into it all, including back-to-back feature interviews presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

MBEW'S BRAND NEW SHOWROOM IS NOW OPEN! https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

Real Talk is proud to support the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementias. Donate a minimum $100 to Jespo's Team Cali Crush fundraising page by March 20 at 5pm MT and qualify to win two club seats to the Oilers-Lightning game on March 21: https://rtrj.info/AlzProAm2026

16:10 | Bean Gill, Zachary Weeks, and MLA Marie Renaud explain the need for better accessibility laws in Alberta. 

SIGN THE PETITION: https://www.zacharyweeks.ca/bill206

44:20 | Women remain underrepresented and underserved in our healthcare system. Dr. Sofia Ahmed, Dr. Tibetha Kemble (Stonechild), and Lindsay Robertson bring facts to the table in our Women's Health Research Month Round Table.

ALBERTA WOMEN'S HEALTH FOUNDATION: https://givetoawhf.org/

1:13:30 | What's the strategy behind Poilievre's interview on Rogan? Jespo and Johnny debate the risks and rewards of the appearance on the world's biggest podcast. 

1:39:10 | Laura, Lisa, KimB, and Jake clap back at W. Brett Wilson. Brian says Take Back Alberta is pulling the strings on MAiD. And Brent has fond memories of Don Cherry, but he's not so sure about awarding him with the Order of Canada. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] 

WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! 

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 

REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.